SMU celebrates a decade of Relay for Life

April 9, 2013

DALLAS (SMU) — SMU will celebrate its 10th year of Relay For Life on Friday, April 12, with a “Cheers to 100 Years of More Birthdays” themed event and relay fundraiser that recognizes the centennial celebrations of both SMU and the American Cancer Society.

“Come this October, I will be 13 years cancer-free, and I look forward to celebrating many more healthy birthdays in my life,” said Taylor Lack, SMU student and Relay for Life director of communications. Lack, a 22-year-old senior double majoring in marketing, corporate communications and public affairs, was diagnosed with acinic cell adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland when she was 9 years old.

In addition to remembering and honoring the fight against cancer, Relay for Life helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society. “It is thanks to the selfless work of ACS, and the money raised by events like Relay, that cancer patients are surviving and thriving,” Lack said.

Relay festivities kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with the opening ceremony scheduled for 6 p.m. The ceremony will include a survivors and caregivers lap at 6:30 p.m. At 9 p.m., lanterns will be lit in memory or honor of a person with cancer with each luminaria personalized with a name, photo, message or drawing. Luminarias can be purchased prior to the event for $10.

At midnight, a Fight Back ceremony will recognize the emotional commitment the fight against cancer entails, not only for the patients but also loved ones and communities. The 24-hour relay ends at 5 a.m. Saturday

Relay for Life began in Tacoma, Wash., with the initiative of one man, Dr. Gordy Klatt. In May 1985, he ran a track for 24 hours and, with the support of his friends, family and the community, raised $27,000. Relay for Life is now the largest nonprofit activity in the world. It takes place in more than 20 countries and has raised more than $4 billion to fight cancer.